Authentic Croatian Fish Stew Brodet Recipe

Combining some of the freshest fish, shellfish, and mollusks, this mouthwatering stew is a seafood fanatic’s dream. As someone always seeking new recipes to satisfy my cravings, let me tell you, this stew does not disappoint! And let’s be honest, Croatia does its best regarding seafood.

But be warned; this dish is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need a few more ingredients than your average recipe, but trust me; it’s worth every single one. The combination of zesty, spicy, and savory flavors will leave your taste buds singing with delight. Also, check out our other seafood recipes, like our Mediterranean Spanish Paella and our one-pot meal Chilean Sea Bass; both are delicious recipes to make! 

So, grab your aprons, and dive into this delicious and authentic Croatian fish stew brodet recipe together. Your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of a seaside paradise, and your taste buds will thank you.

Discover the Authentic Flavors of Croatia with Our Fish Stew Brodet Recipe

If you’re a seafood lover, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to try this authentic Croatian fish stew brodet. With centuries of culinary influence from neighboring countries, Croatian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and spices. But when it comes to seafood, Croatia reigns supreme. Situated on the Adriatic Coast, the country boasts some of the world’s freshest and most delicious fish. Our fish stew brodet recipe captures the essence of this beloved dish and allows you to savor the authentic flavors of Croatia in your own home.

Authentic Croatian Fish Stew Brodet: What Does Brodet Mean?

Brodet is a dish that originates from Croatia and is slowly cooked to perfection. It is a fish stew that combines various animals from the ocean, such as fresh fish, shellfish, and mollusks, creating a delightful medley of flavors. Traditionally, brodet is cooked with olive oil and a tomato-based sauce, then finished with white wine and served hot.

Croatian Fish Stew vs. Cioppino

On the surface, a Croatian brodet and a cioppino are very similar. Both are fish stews that focus on a seafood medley, but the tastes could not be more different.

Italian immigrants in San Francisco in the 1930s coined the term “chip in” or Cioppino to describe a stew made from whatever fresh catch fishermen had at the time, be it lobster, crab, squid, or fish. Today, Cioppino is still a regional dish, with the focal point being whatever seafood is most abundant in the area. For example, lobster takes center stage in Maine in this delicious and versatile stew.

A Croatian fish stew centers around white fish, like cod, sea bass (which we use in this recipe), or different types of rockfish. It uses white wine, while many cioppino dishes use red wine.

What To Serve With Fish Stew?

When serving fish stew, you have a variety of options to choose from. In Croatia, they traditionally do brodet with a side of polenta, which accompanies the zesty and savory flavors of the stew with a creamy and satisfying dish. Another great option is to serve the fish stew with garlic or toasted bread for dipping and enjoying alongside the stew.

What Is The Best Fish To Use?

A Croatian brodet uses white fish for its recipes. I recommend cod or sea bass in this recipe because they are easy to find and delicious! You can alter the beauty of this dish with your favorite ingredients. It’s a medley, so if you want to try a different white fish, you can experiment with this recipe!

How To Make Shrimp Stock?

Using the freshest seafood and the right ingredients is essential to make the most flavorful fish stew. But did you know you can make your shrimp stock to add more flavor to your dish? If you’re using shrimp with the shells on, don’t throw them away! Instead, use them to make a delicious and easy shrimp stock. Mix the shrimp shells in a pot with three cups of water, some lemon peels, a few peppercorns, a teaspoon of paprika, and one bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Then, strain the stock and keep it on the side to use later in the recipe. Adding homemade shrimp stock will take your fish stew to the next level and make it unforgettable.